I would like to find a cheap (or preferrably free) piece of software
which simply records the volume/loudness/intensity versus time on a
chart.  This would be like connecting an amplified microphone to a
strip-chart recorder.  The chart needs to be savable.

Loudness vs. time

I don't need a full oscilloscope software package, or a music/mixing
sound editing package.  But, if you find one of those fancy programs
which does this simple request, and is under $20, then that's fine.

I have tried searching the freeware/shareware web sites, but there are
way too many sound editing software packages for me to try each one.

Thanks.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/  try that

Audacity works great!  it is perfect.  Thank you very much.